There is a rise in demand for part-time work by international students in the UK. Why? Because of the cost of education and living expenses in one of the most expensive countries in the world.
The UK is known for its world-class education system and is home to some of the most renowned universities in the world. It also happens to be among the top 5 most expensive study destinations in the world, which leaves students looking for financing options. This is where part-time jobs in the UK for international students come to the rescue.
If you wish to get into your dream UK university while also understanding how and where to work part-time during the duration of your coursework, sign up with Yocket Premium now!
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Benefits of Doing a Part Time Jobs in the UK
Are you wondering why you should take up a part-time job in the UK? This section will answer your question!
For an array of reasons, part-time jobs in the UK may be quite advantageous for overseas students. They meet your demands for pocket money while also being beneficial in various other ways, like:
- Financial Benefits: Attending university in the UK is costly and will empty your bank account. Taking up a part-time job throughout your studies can assist you in meeting the UK's living expenses. This covers the rent, groceries, books, and other incidentals related to studying in the UK.
- Upskilling: Part-time work will assist you in gaining important skills that companies are looking for, such as initiative, teamwork, commercial awareness, time management, managerial abilities, communication skills, etc.
- Budgeting Effectively: As soon as you begin to receive a salary, you will also begin to spend your money sensibly as you realize you are in charge of it.
- Work Experience: If you are employed in a position that is relevant to your field of study, you will gain lifelong experience that will enable you to function in diverse settings once you graduate.
- Networking Opportunities: You will learn about networking, form business contacts, and create efficient job search techniques while seeking part-time work. These skills will help you launch a successful career.
Also see: Complete breakdown of the cost of studying in the UK for international students
Even if your family is tackling your expenses, working part-time will help you feel independent and reap many benefits, as aforementioned. In the next bit, we will discuss something important. Keep reading!
Eligibility Criteria for Part Time Jobs in UK for International Students
Everywhere international students go, there are some eligibility criteria that they must fulfill to get admitted to a university or take a part-time job.
In the UK, international students require a Tier 4 visa to study. This also allows them to take part-time jobs, subject to UK student part-time hours. To avoid getting in trouble, you must take care of any restrictions imposed by your university or other institution.
Enlisted below are the eligibility requirements for doing part-time jobs in the UK for international students:
- Students must be 16 years old or older.
- Students must be enrolled in full-time degree programs at the universities.
- They must hold a Tier 4 visa to work in the UK.
Also see: All you need to know about getting a UK student visa
Now that you know the eligibility criteria for working in the UK, what is next? Once you know you are eligible, you must make yourself aware of the rules and regulations for part-time jobs.
Rules and Regulations for Part time Jobs in UK for Students
Are you happy knowing that you are eligible to work a part-time job? Of course! However, do not overlook the rules regarding them, as being unmindful of them can be detrimental.
The following guidelines apply to international students looking for part-time employment in the UK:
- Only authorized work may be taken on by students during the designated work hours.
- Throughout the course of the course, only part-time employment is permitted. It is acceptable to work full-time during vacation.
- During the course term, students are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week. Keep in mind that your working hours can be limited based on your Tier 4 sponsor and the difficulty of the course you are taking.
- Students are allowed to work 40 hours per week during session breaks.
- During the course term, students enrolled in language centers or foundation-level courses are permitted to work 10 hours per week.
- Part-time learners are not permitted to work a part-time job.
Note: You are not allowed to take the average of your weekly work hours for a month since the term “week” has a legal definition for part-time workers.
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Part-Time Jobs NOT ALLOWED for students holding a Tier 4 visa:
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Having discussed the regulations and rules for working part-time, now we discuss one of the most important things. Keep perusing to know!
Types of Part Time Jobs Available for International Students
The top part-time employment for international students in the UK is accessible both on and off-campus. Curious to know what the opportunities are? Let's examine each category in detail:
On-campus jobs
Working on campus at your institution allows you to cut down on the time and cost of your commute. It also aids in preserving the harmony between work and study. Job openings on campus are generally found at the cafeteria, library, computer labs, admissions office, and laboratories, among other places. There aren't many of these vacancies; they fill up quickly!
Some of the best part-time jobs for students offered on campus in the UK are:
- Library Assistant
- Campus Ambassador
- Lab Assistant
- Tech Support
- Campus Guide
- Student content creator
- Teaching Assistants
- Resident Assistant
Off-campus jobs
Off-campus employment is more accessible, particularly because it is found in an array of fields. Be mindful of the distance between your home and place of employment while searching for jobs off campus. Plan for your daily travel and also spare time in your schedule to complete your coursework assignments, unwind, etc.
The most widely available off-campus part-time jobs in the UK for international students are:
- Bookstore Helper
- Data Entry Operator
- Grocery Store Assistant
- Waiter/ waitress
- Cashier
- Delivery Person
- Sales Associate
- Customer Service Executive
- IT Assistant
- Personal Tutor
- Receptionist
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NOTE: Several other sectors also employ students for part-time job roles such as Marketing, Education, Nursing, Veterinary Care Assistant, Gardener, Fitness Instructor, etc. However, they are difficult to find, as such opportunities are limited and also require a basic level of knowledge and expertise in that field. |
Are you relieved after knowing the assortment of on and off-campus jobs offered in the UK? Hopefully. If you still have unresolved doubts, book a call with our experienced Yocket counselors to receive 1:1 personalized counseling!
How Much Do Part Time Jobs in the UK Pay?
Now, we unveil THE most elemental factor about working part-time in the UK. The pay scale!
The average salary range for students doing part-time employment in the UK is determined by the job and the number of hours worked. Let's examine the average pay scale in the UK and the implications of paying income taxes:
Average Pay Scale
You can only devote a certain number of hours a day as a student, thus you can only take on jobs that allow you to work weekends or in shifts. Generally speaking, night shift compensation is 1.5 times more than day shift pay.
Legally, all employers must pay according to the National Minimum Wage which has been tabulated below:
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Age Group |
Average Pay per Hour |
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Under 18 |
£4.62 (INR 470) |
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18-20 |
£6.56 (INR 660) |
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21-22 |
£8.36 (INR 840) |
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23 and above |
£8.91 (INR 900) |
Students who have part-time employment in the UK will get paid weekly, fortnightly, or monthly straight into their bank account. Before signing an agreement, make sure you and your employer have a clear understanding of how often payments will be made.
Now let us take a look at the areas that have the highest paying part-time jobs for international students in the UK:
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Job Field |
Average Pay per Hour |
|---|---|
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Marketing |
£11.50 (INR 1,160) |
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Education |
£11.04 (INR 1,110) |
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Customer Service |
£10.35 (INR 1,040) |
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Social Care |
£9.05 (INR 910) |
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Administration |
£9 (INR 910) |
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Data Entry |
£9.23 (INR 930) |
Taxes Applicable for Students
Only the portion of a student's income that exceeds their tax allowances will be subject to taxes. After landing a job, you have to apply for a National Insurance Number, which is a local tax number that you may use to pay taxes on your paycheck.
- If your yearly income from part-time work in the UK surpasses £12,570, you will have to file a tax return. You are not required to pay any taxes if your income is less than this.
- When your income falls between £12,571 and £50,270, you will be subject to the basic tax rate of 20%.
The taxes you pay when employed by an employer will be automatically withheld from your pay and credited to HM Revenue and Customs. Pay As You Earn, or PAYE is the name of this method. You can get a tax refund if your income is less than the personal allowance, so don't panic.
Also see: What are the top Job Opportunities after Studying in the UK for International Students?
How to Find a Part Time Job in the UK as an International Student?
Before you start looking for a part-time job in the UK, compile your educational qualifications, relevant experiences, achievements, and skills in a CV. Then, begin your hunt through various sources enlisted below:
- Local Newspapers: These are the most popular places to look for part-time work in your area.
- Online Job Portals: You may use online job search portals to filter opportunities based on your criteria, shortlist, and submit applications for them.
- University: Several universities have career centers that are devoted to assisting students in finding acceptable jobs in the vicinity of their studies.
- Networking: You can find out about part-time job prospects by interacting with faculty members, seniors, graduates, and others in the professional networking community. Engage in conversation with others, inquire about openings at neighboring eateries and cafés, and swing by grocery shops or retail stores to see if they need helpers.
Also see: Study in the UK
From the Desk of Yocket
Finding a part-time job while studying abroad is essential, especially for international students. Working can help you feel independent and engage with different people in varied settings, thus enhancing your personality. Perks aside, you must search for jobs near your campus; otherwise, you will be exhausted. Remember that your primary goal was to acquire a quality education. Hence, do your best to strike a balance between study and work!
Knowing where and how to get a part-time job is not enough. You also need to be aware of the rules and eligibility criteria for the same. If you need assistance with not only understanding the prerequisites of working part-time but also finding the best universities to study at, avail Yocket Premium services now!
